Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Washingtonpost.com
September 25, 2008
By Elaine Ganley, Associated Press
PARIS -- U.S. Gen. David Petraeus said Thursday that a comprehensive approach is needed to quell the war in Afghanistan, including reconciliation within the population and "absolute engagement" with neighboring Pakistan.
Extremists -- be they al-Qaida, the Taliban or others with bases in tribal areas of Pakistan-- have all contributed to Afghanistan's problems, Petraeus said.
Neighboring Pakistan "faces a threat that certainly seems to be an existential threat," Petraeus said, noting the weekend attack that killed 53 at the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
"It is hugely important to have absolute engagement with the new Pakistan government, with, of course, the Pakistan military," Petraeus told reporters in Paris before he takes over the U.S. Central Command next month.
Petraeus is credited with saving Iraq from near civil war. In his new job, he will oversee U.S. military involvement throughout the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other Central Asian nations. He begins the job in late October.
Petraeus said Afghanistan, which he visited recently, holds vast challenges that were not found in Iraq, which is rich in natural resources, has a tradition of central government and a considerable infrastructure.
"In Iraq, you are rebuilding. In Afghanistan, you are building," he said.
A comprehensive approach is needed, like that applied in Iraq, he said, noting that an entire infrastructure is needed to support the increase in troop numbers that NATO wants.
Petraeus said calls for Iraq-bound troops to be transferred to Afghanistan were being partially met, and noted U.S. plans to send more soldiers, as an 8,000-troop reduction in Iraq has been approved.
September 25, 2008
By Elaine Ganley, Associated Press
PARIS -- U.S. Gen. David Petraeus said Thursday that a comprehensive approach is needed to quell the war in Afghanistan, including reconciliation within the population and "absolute engagement" with neighboring Pakistan.
Extremists -- be they al-Qaida, the Taliban or others with bases in tribal areas of Pakistan-- have all contributed to Afghanistan's problems, Petraeus said.
Neighboring Pakistan "faces a threat that certainly seems to be an existential threat," Petraeus said, noting the weekend attack that killed 53 at the Marriott Hotel in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.
"It is hugely important to have absolute engagement with the new Pakistan government, with, of course, the Pakistan military," Petraeus told reporters in Paris before he takes over the U.S. Central Command next month.
Petraeus is credited with saving Iraq from near civil war. In his new job, he will oversee U.S. military involvement throughout the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other Central Asian nations. He begins the job in late October.
Petraeus said Afghanistan, which he visited recently, holds vast challenges that were not found in Iraq, which is rich in natural resources, has a tradition of central government and a considerable infrastructure.
"In Iraq, you are rebuilding. In Afghanistan, you are building," he said.
A comprehensive approach is needed, like that applied in Iraq, he said, noting that an entire infrastructure is needed to support the increase in troop numbers that NATO wants.
Petraeus said calls for Iraq-bound troops to be transferred to Afghanistan were being partially met, and noted U.S. plans to send more soldiers, as an 8,000-troop reduction in Iraq has been approved.